Zamalek overcomes Modern Sport in extra time thriller to reach Egypt Cup quarterfinals

Zamalek battled past a determined Modern Sport FC, securing a 2-1 victory after extra time at Cairo International Stadium on Friday to book their spot in the Egypt Cup quarterfinals.

Midfielder Nabil ‘Dunga’ Emad put the White Knights ahead early in the first half, but Tunisian midfielder Mootez Zaddem brought Modern Sport level after the break, forcing extra time.

The breakthrough came deep into extra time when veteran captain Mahmoud ‘Shikabala’ Abdel-Razik found the net, sealing the win for Zamalek.

The Cairo giants had reached this stage following a 2-0 victory over Abu Qir Fertilizers, while Modern Sport earned their last-16 spot with a commanding 5-2 win against El-Shams.

Zamalek wasted no time asserting themselves, with Ahmed ‘Zizo’ Sayed delivering a pinpoint free kick just five minutes in. Goalkeeper Mohamed Magdi struggled to clear, allowing an unmarked Dunga to head home.

Zaddem’s equalizer came six minutes into the second half, nodding in a corner from Ali Zazaa.

With the match locked at 1-1, 39-year-old Shikabala stepped up in extra time, meeting Zizo’s cross from the left and guiding the ball into an empty net.

Next up, Zamalek faces Smouha in the quarterfinals as they chase a record-extending 29th Egypt Cup title.